SPORT
Friday February 26, 2021
Cairns Local News
| 27
Hoopsnakes rattle and roll
Billz Nakachi and Karim Valentino Yorkston will be among those going head to head for charity on Saturday.
Fighting for a good cause
TANYA MURPHY
A PRIZE pool of $20,000 will be donated to dozens of charities thanks to the Cairns Charity Fight Night being held next Saturday, February 27. This will be the third charity fight night in five years organised by local personal trainer Rodney Little, and with 44 fighters and 22 fights on the cards it is set to be the biggest one yet. Mr Little, who has been involved in boxing for 38 years, said the charity fight night encouraged new people to try boxing and was a great way to introduce new people to the sport. “For about 32 of the fighters it’s their first ever event and a lot have only been training for the last ten weeks specifically for this fight, as a way to raise funds for a charity that they’ve selected,” he said. Each fighter has raised $500 to compete. The winner of each match will take $750 and the loser will keep $250, which each will donate to their charity of choice. Charities set to benefit include Beyond Blue, the Heart Foundation, Mareeba Animal Shelter, and many more. Fighters are travelling to Cairns from as far afield as Townsville and beyond to compete. One of the most anticipated fights of the night will be between well-known lo-
cals Billz Nakachi and Karim Valentino Yorkston. Cairns local Adam Taylor, 39, also said he was looking forward to his match with Kenny Nyko, where he will raise money for a friend battling breast cancer. The Manunda Hawks player said he first got into boxing when he was challenged to participate in the first Charity Fight Night in 2015, then came back better prepared for the second one in 2018, and now was preparing for his third. “The guy I fought in 2015 and 2018 was a lifelong boxer. I won the first fight against him despite having no experience, and then lost the second one despite training for it, which just goes to show that anything can happen in boxing,” he said. “Most importantly, myself and my opponent donated our funds to a local lady with brain cancer.” Tickets are on sale now for the Charity Fight Night which will take place at Fred Moule Pavilion in the Cairns Showgrounds, with doors open at 6pm and first fight at 7pm. Tickets are $35 presold or $40 for general entry. VIP tables are also available. Tickets are available at Railway Newsagency, 48 McLeod Street, or contact Rodney Little on 0402 414 413 or visit the “Cairns Charity Fight Night” Facebook page.
Cairns Hoopsnakes members, Garry Parker, Bob Moore, David Connolly and Adam Howarth TANYA MURPHY WHEELCHAIR basketball is an exciting version of basketball that offers a great way to keep fit, develop new skills and meet new friends – and since it’s on wheels its even faster than regular basketball! The game was originally designed as a rehabilitation and recreation activity for those with a physical disability, in particularly those with a spinal cord injury, but is now enjoyed by people of all abilities. The Cairns Hoopsnakes wheelchair basketball team meets every Sunday from 9am at the Bendigo Bank Stadium on Aumuller Street,
Manunda. The competition is organised by the Sporting Wheelies and Disabled Association, and Cairns wheelchair basketball facilitator David Holzheimer said new players, both male and female, were welcome. “Sporting Wheelies provides a number of opportunities for new players to improve their skill level and fitness, such as training sessions and development camps,” he said. “If classified, players also have the option to compete in wheelchair basketball at regional, state, national and international level, including at the Paralympics. “Sporting Wheelies offers Wheelchair Basketball pro-
grams in Brisbane, Toowoomba, Mackay, Townsville and Cairns for players of all ages and abilities. Programs are also available in Rockhampton and the Gold and Sunshine Coasts. “All new Association members will receive their first two sessions for free and will have access to a Basketball wheelchair. “You can also contribute as a volunteer, coach, team manager, umpire, administrator of the sport or as an enthusiastic supporter!” Player Adam Howarth said he had been a member since 2008 after being injured in a motorcycle accident in 2006. “It was a difficult time so it was a big help for me to be able to go and play a sport,
and keep fit,” he said. “Once you’re doing something like this you push yourself harder.” The Hoopsnakes will head to Townsville on March 20-21 to compete against Townsville, Rockhampton and Mackay in round one of the ‘Northern Challenge’ competition. Two rounds are held each year. Mr Holzheimer said sponsors were being sought to help the team cover travel and accommodation costs. For more information visit www.sportingwheelies.org.au or the “Cairns Hoopsnakes” Facebook page.
we wish him all the very best for the future,” said Northern Pride Board Director, Pat Bailey. Mr Quinn says he feels now is the right time to pursue new opportunities professionally and for a new CEO to take over the reins. “The club is in a very strong financial position, in fact the best position it has ever been. Having the current reserves, we have been able to provide Head Coach Ty Williams the ability to recruit a formidable play-
ing roster for the upcoming season. It is a great time for someone to take over and grow it even further as the league is re-emerging from its COVID slumber. “I am extremely proud of the great work we have done at the Pride. I leave with a strong sense of optimism of what the future holds for the club. The Pride will always hold a special place in my heart,” he said. As Vice President of the Amateurs, Mark will be even more hands on after busi-
ness leader Ross Moller’s recent passing. The setting up of Cannon Park will certainly be different this year after spending the last 15 odd years with Ross and the team preparing for the event. He is also pursuing new opportunities which will be made public in the coming months. Mark Quinn will depart his role in the next few weeks and the Northern Pride Board will actively commence a recruitment campaign to replace him.
Pride CEO Resigns CEO of the Northern Pride, Mark Quinn, has announced he will be leaving the club after 2.5 years at the helm. “Mark has made a very significant contribution and impact on the Northern Pride as CEO over his tenure. He has provided outstanding leadership and vision through very difficult and challenging times. Mark’s financial and business acumen have allowed the club to be in the best financial position its ever been in and
Cairns & Community Dementia Support Group Y O U ’ R E
N O T
A L O N E Our fortnightly gatherings offer a safe space for social engagement and support for people living with Alzheimer’s or Dementia and their loved ones. These sessions provide an opportunity for attendees to enjoy time together in the company of others in a similar situation. Morning tea is provided (paid for by gold coin donations) When: Every 2nd Wednesday Time: 10 am — 12pm Cost: Gold coin donation Where: Cominos House (27 Greenslope St, Edge Hill)
UPCOMING February 3rd and 17th MEETINGS: March 3rd, 17th and 31st
April 14th and 28th
For more information call Karina on 0421 416 971 or Helen on 0407 589 338 or email karinagray61@gmail.com
